Ted Cruz Spotted Heading to Beach Town as Texas Braces for Major Winter Storm — Critics Renew Outcry

Sen. Ted Cruz was reported traveling to a beach town as Texas prepared for a major winter storm, a move that quickly drew scrutiny given the timing and the hardships many residents were bracing for, including dangerous conditions and potential power outages.

Background: Cruz previously faced intense criticism for leaving the state during the February 2021 winter crisis. At the time he told reporters the decision was "obviously a mistake," and said he left to care for his two daughters after their home had been without heat for two days. In his remarks he defended the choice as a parental one: "I was trying to be a dad... I think there are a lot of parents that would be like, 'Alright, if I can do this, great.'"

Resurfacing Controversy

The report of this more recent beach trip, combined with the resurfaced 2021 comments, reignited debate about the responsibilities of elected officials during emergencies. Critics say that leaders should remain in or near affected areas to coordinate response and show solidarity with constituents who are facing outages, hazardous roads, and other disruptions.

Public Reaction And Context

Images and accounts of the trip circulated widely on social media, fueling renewed criticism from those who view the travel as out of step with Texans confronting the storm. Supporters point to Cruz's previous apology and his explanation that he was prioritizing his children’s safety and wellbeing. The episode underscores a broader public conversation about accountability, leadership during crises, and how personal decisions by public officials are perceived in times of emergency.

Cruz Said: "Look, it was obviously a mistake, and in hindsight I wouldn’t have done it. I was trying to be a dad..."

The story remains an example of how past actions can shape public reaction to similar behavior, and how quickly images and reports can reignite scrutiny during high-stakes weather events.